On January 15, 2026, a scientific and practical seminar on the topic: “GENOMIC EVALUATION AND BREEDING VALUE OF BROWN CATTLE IN MODERN SELECTION PROGRAMS” was held in an online format (Zoom).
The event gathered academic staff, PhD students, and industry experts interested in applying modern genomic technologies to cattle breeding.
Volodymyr Ivanovych LADYKA, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, presented a comprehensive scientific report. In his speech, he highlighted global experience in evaluating the overall breeding value of brown cattle using data from international breeding programs. Particular attention was paid to comparing the results of genomic evaluation of bulls with the actual productivity of their daughters, which clearly confirmed the high accuracy and prognostic value of genomic selection methods. The presented materials demonstrated the effectiveness of using genomic information to accelerate selection progress and form competitive brown cattle populations.
During the seminar, PhD student Anastasiia BELCHENKO presented a report focusing on the practical aspects of applying CRV genomic evaluation to determine the breeding value of livestock. Her speech detailed key selection indices, including “INET”, “CRV Health”, “CRV Efficiency”, “NVI”, as well as indices for feed efficiency, productive longevity, and hoof and udder health. The speaker emphasized the importance of genomic indicators for the early selection of replacement young stock, increasing productivity, improving animal health, and enhancing the economic efficiency of breeding programs.
It is important to note that the Faculty of Biology and Technology systematically conducts scientific research and practical work on the conformation evaluation of cattle, in particular, using the linear appraisal of cows on farms in the Sumy region. The obtained phenotypic data are used to analyze the structures of the udder, limbs, and body, as well as other functionally important traits that directly affect productivity, health status, and the productive longevity of animals.
At this stage, this research is complemented by genomic evaluation, which allows combining the results of linear conformation appraisal with genetic indices of breeding value. Such a comprehensive approach ensures more accurate selection of replacement young stock, increased efficiency of selection programs, and accelerated genetic progress in herds of the Sumy region. The application of combined phenotypic and genomic information aligns with global trends in the development of dairy cattle farming and confirms the high level of scientific and practical training of the faculty’s specialists.
Scientific guidance and methodological support for this research are provided by Volodymyr Ivanovych LADYKA, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Anastasiia BELCHENKO and Tetiana KUCHKOVA, PhD students of the Faculty of Biology and Technology, are directly involved in implementing these scientific and practical works, focusing on introducing modern selection and genomic approaches into the practice of livestock breeding.
The seminar helped deepen participants’ professional knowledge, promote the exchange of scientific experience, and incorporate modern genomic methods into livestock breeding practices.
